EP3337675B1 - Security element, method for producing same, and data carrier equipped with the security element - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a security element for securing value documents, comprising a support having an embossing lacquer layer which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement, wherein the first relief structure is provided with a reflection layer oriented spatially along the relief structure and the second relief structure is provided with a colored thin-film element aligned spatially along the relief structure. The invention further relates to methods for producing such a security element and to a data carrier, e.g. a value document, with such a security element.

Data carriers, such as valuables or identity documents, or other valuables, such as branded articles, are often provided with security elements for the purpose of security, which permit verification of the authenticity of the data carriers and at the same time serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction. Security elements with viewing-angle-dependent effects play a special role in the authentication of authenticity since they can not be reproduced even with the most modern copiers. The security elements are thereby equipped with optically variable elements that give the viewer a different image impression under different viewing angles and, for example, show a different color or brightness impression and / or another graphic motif depending on the viewing angle.

In this context, for example, from the WO 2009/080263 A2 known to use security elements with multi-layer thin-film elements whose color impression for the viewer with the Viewing Angle changes (hereafter referred to as Color Shifting Effect). The color shift effect in such thin-film elements is based on viewing angle-dependent interference effects due to multiple reflections in the different sub-layers of the element. The path difference of the light reflected at the different layers depends on the one hand on the optical thickness of a dielectric spacer layer, which determines the distance between a semi-transparent absorber layer and a reflective layer, and on the other hand varies with the respective viewing angle. Since the path difference is on the order of the wavelength of the visible light, the result is an angle-dependent color impression for the viewer due to the extinction and amplification of certain wavelengths. By a suitable choice of material and thickness of the dielectric spacer layer a variety of different color shift effects can be designed.

In addition, (see-through) security elements with multilayer thin-film elements are known which, when viewed in incident light, ie in reflection, appear in a first color and, when viewed in transmitted light, ie in transmission, appear in a second color. The WO 2011/082761 A1 describes a thin-film element with a multilayer structure, which appears gold-colored when viewed in reflected light and blue when viewed in transmitted light. The multilayer structure is based on two semitransparent mirror layers and a dielectric spacer layer arranged between the two mirror layers.

Based on this, the present invention seeks to provide a security element of the type mentioned above with high Counterfeiting security and attractive visual appearance and manufacturing process for this purpose.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Summary of the invention

1. 1. (First aspect of the invention) Method for producing a security element for securing value documents, comprising
   1. a) providing a support having an embossing lacquer layer which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement;
   2. b) printing the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure with a printing ink based on platelet-shaped metal pigments arranged so as to align spatially along the relief structure of the embossing lacquer layer and thus form a reflective layer;
   3. c) imprinting a soluble wash ink in such a way that the areas of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure and the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement form recesses in the applied wash color;
   4. d) the full-surface application of a colored thin-layer element followed by washing off the washing ink together with the region of the colored thin-layer element produced above the wash ink, so that the colored thin-layer element in the regions of the first structure forming a diffractive structure and the second one Micro-mirror arrangement forming relief structure remains in spatially along the respective relief structure aligned form;
   5. e) the application of a (eg transparent) adhesive layer, which is suitable for bonding the security element with a valuable article, on the layer structure obtained by steps a) to d), optionally via one or more intermediate layers.
2. 2. (Preferred embodiment) The method according to paragraph 1, wherein the carrier provided in step a) is configured as a transfer film detachable from the embossing lacquer layer.
3. 3. (Preferred Embodiment) Method according to paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the colored thin-film element provided in step d) conveys a color-shifting thin-film element which gives the viewer different color impressions at different viewing angles, or a semitransparent thin-film element which is visible to the viewer when viewed in reflected light and when viewed in transmitted light different color impressions is.
4. 4. (Second aspect of the invention) A method of producing a security element for securing value documents, comprising
   1. a) providing a support having an embossing lacquer layer which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement;
   2. b) imprinting a soluble wash color in such a way that the area of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure forms a recess in the applied wash color;
   3. c) the full-surface application of a reflective layer, in particular by means of vapor deposition, followed by washing off the wash ink together with the the region of the reflection layer produced above the wash color, so that the reflection layer remains in the region of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;
   4. d) imprinting a soluble wash ink in such a way that the area of the second microstructure forming a micromirror structure forms a recess in the applied wash color;
   5. e) the full-surface application of a colored thin-layer element followed by washing off the washing ink together with the region of the colored thin-layer element above the wash ink so that the colored thin-film element remains in the region of the second microstructure-forming relief structure in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;
   6. f) the application of a (eg transparent) adhesive layer which is suitable for bonding the security element to a valuable article, to the layer structure obtained by steps a) to e), optionally via one or more intermediate layers.
5. 5. (Preferred embodiment) The method according to paragraph 4, wherein the carrier provided in step a) is configured as a transfer film detachable from the embossing lacquer layer.
6. 6. (Preferred Embodiment) The method of paragraph 4 or 5, wherein the colored thin-film element provided in step e) provides a color-shifting thin-film element that imparts different color impressions to the viewer at different viewing angles, or a semi-transparent thin-film element presented to the viewer when viewed in incident and when viewed in transmitted light different color impressions is.
7. 7. (Third aspect of the invention) A method for producing a security element for securing value documents, comprising
   1. a) providing a support having an embossing lacquer layer which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement;
   2. b) imprinting a soluble wash ink in such a way that the area of the second microstructure-forming relief structure forms a recess in the applied wash color;
   3. c) applying a colored thin-layer element over the entire surface followed by washing off the washing ink together with the area of the colored thin-layer element above the wash ink so that the colored thin-film element remains in the area of the second microstructure-forming relief structure in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;
   4. d) printing the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure with a printing ink based on platelet-shaped metal pigments adapted to align spatially along the relief structure of the embossing lacquer layer and thus form a reflective layer;
   5. e) the application of a (eg transparent) adhesive layer, which is suitable for bonding the security element with a valuable article, on the layer structure obtained by steps a) to d), optionally via one or more intermediate layers.
8. 8. (Preferred embodiment) The method according to paragraph 7, wherein the in step
   1. a) provided carrier is designed as a detachable from the embossing lacquer transfer film.
9. 9. (Preferred Embodiment) Method according to paragraph 7 or 8, wherein the colored thin-film element provided in step c) provides a color-shifting thin-film element which gives the viewer different color impressions at different viewing angles, or a semitransparent thin-film element which, when viewed in reflected light and when viewed in transmitted light different color impressions is.
10. 10. (Fourth Aspect of the Invention) A method of producing a security element for securing value documents, comprising
    1. a) providing a support having an embossing lacquer layer which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement;
    2. b) imprinting a soluble wash ink in such a way that the area of the second microstructure-forming relief structure forms a recess in the applied wash color;
    3. c) applying a colored thin-layer element over the entire surface followed by washing off the washing ink together with the area of the colored thin-layer element above the wash ink so that the colored thin-film element remains in the area of the second microstructure-forming relief structure in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;
    4. d) printing the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure with a printing ink based on platelet-shaped metal pigments adapted to align spatially along the relief structure of the embossing lacquer layer and thus form a reflective layer;
    5. e) the application of a (eg transparent) protective lacquer to the layer structure obtained by steps a) to d);
    6. f) the application of an adhesive layer, which is suitable for bonding the security element with a valuable article, on the side of the carrier opposite the embossing lacquer layer, optionally via one or more intermediate layers.
11. 11. (Preferred Embodiment) The method of paragraph 10, wherein the colored thin-film element provided in step c) provides a color-shifting thin-film element that imparts different color impressions to the viewer at different viewing angles, or a semi-transparent thin-film element that is transparent to the viewer when viewed in incident light and in the field Contemplation in transmitted light gives different color impressions is.
12. 12. (Fifth aspect of the invention) Method for producing a security element for securing value documents, comprising
    1. a) providing a support having an embossing lacquer layer which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement;
    2. b) imprinting a soluble wash color in such a way that the area of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure forms a recess in the applied wash color;
    3. c) the full-surface application of a reflection layer, in particular by vapor deposition, followed by washing off the wash ink together with the region of the reflection layer generated above the wash ink so that the reflection layer remains in the region of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure ;
    4. d) imprinting a soluble wash ink in such a way that the area of the second microstructure forming a micromirror structure forms a recess in the applied wash color;
    5. e) the full-surface application of a colored thin-layer element followed by washing off the washing ink together with the region of the colored thin-layer element above the wash ink so that the colored thin-film element remains in the region of the second microstructure-forming relief structure in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;
    6. f) the application of a (eg transparent) protective lacquer to the layer structure obtained by steps a) to e);
    7. g) the application of an adhesive layer, which is suitable for bonding the security element with a valuable article, on the side of the carrier opposite the embossing lacquer layer, optionally via one or more intermediate layers.
13. 13. (Preferred Embodiment) Method according to paragraph 12, wherein the colored thin-film element provided in step e) conveys a color-shifting thin-film element which gives the viewer different color impressions at different viewing angles or a semitransparent thin-film element which, when viewed in incident light and in the case of the Contemplation in transmitted light gives different color impressions is.
14. 14. (Sixth aspect of the invention) A security element for securing value documents, comprising a support with an embossing lacquer layer, which has a first structure forming a diffractive structure relief structure and a second, forming a micromirror relief structure, wherein the first relief structure with a spatially along the relief structure aligned reflective layer is provided and the second relief structure is provided with a spatially along the relief structure oriented, colored thin-film element, wherein the security element by the method according to one of claims 1 to 13 is available.
15. 15. (Preferred Embodiment) A security element according to paragraph 14, wherein the security element is a (continuous) strip, an (endless) thread or a patch or label.
16. 16. (seventh aspect of the invention) data carrier with a security element according to paragraph 14 or 15.
17. 17. (Preferred embodiment) Data carrier according to paragraph 16, wherein the data carrier is a value document, such as a banknote, in particular a paper banknote, polymer banknote or composite film banknote, or identity card.

Detailed description of the invention

The value document mentioned in the present description can be a banknote, in particular a paper banknote, a polymer banknote or a film composite banknote, a share, a bond, a certificate, a coupon, a check, a high-quality admission ticket, but also an identity card such as a credit card, a bank card, a cash card, an entitlement card, an identity card, or a pass personalization page.

For the purposes of this invention, viewing in incident light is illumination of the security element from one side and observation of the light Security elements from the same page. A reflection in reflected light is thus present, for example, when the front of the security element is illuminated and also viewed.

A reflection in the transmitted light is in the sense of this invention an illumination of a security element from one side and a view of the security element from another side, in particular the opposite side. A reflection in transmitted light is thus, for example, when the back of the security element illuminated and the front of the security element is considered. The light thus shines through the security element.

The security element according to the invention can e.g. as a patch or label, as an (endless) strip or as an (endless) thread.

The data carrier substrate of the data carrier to be equipped with the security element according to the invention is in particular a paper substrate or a paper-like substrate, a polymer substrate, a paper / film / paper composite substrate or a film / paper / film composite substrate. A security document provided with a window portion may be formed in the case of a paper substrate, a paper / foil / paper composite substrate, or a film / paper / foil composite substrate, for example by means of a continuous recess within the paper layer (s). Alternatively, the paper layer can be made transparent by means of a suitable liquid, for example by means of aqueous sulfuric acid solution, within a certain range. In the case of a value document based on a transparent polymer substrate, a window region can be used, for example, by means of congruent recesses are generated in the applied on the front and back of the polymer substrate opaque print layers.

• eine Prägelackschicht mit einer eine diffraktive Struktur bzw. Hologrammstruktur bildenden Reliefstruktur einerseits und einer eine Mikrospiegelanordnung bildenden Reliefstruktur (d.h. einer mikrooptischen Reliefstruktur) andererseits;
• eine entlang der diffraktiven Struktur ausgerichtete Reflexionsschicht, die z.B. mittels Aufdampfen erhältlich ist (siehe die Herstellungsverfahren nach dem zweiten oder dem fünften Aspekt der Erfindung) oder drucktechnisch erhältlich ist (siehe die Herstellungsverfahren nach dem ersten, dem dritten oder oder dem vierten Aspekt der Erfindung);
• ein entlang der Mikrostruktur ausgerichtetes farbiges Dünnschichtelement oder ein sowohl entlang der Mikrostruktur, als auch entlang der diffraktiven Struktur ausgerichtetes farbiges Dünnschichtelement, wobei im letzteren Fall der Betrachter beim Betrachten des auf einen Datenträger aufgeklebten Sicherheitselements im Bereich der Reflexionsschicht lediglich die Reflexionsschicht und nicht das unterhalb der Reflexionsschicht angeordnete farbige Dünnschichtelement erkennen kann; und
• eine (z.B. transparente) Klebschicht, die für das Verkleben des Sicherheitselements mit einem Datenträger, wie z.B. einem Wertgegenstand, geeignet ist.

According to the invention, it is provided in a generic security element to provide a carrier or a carrier substrate with a layer structure which comprises, inter alia:

• an embossing lacquer layer having a relief structure forming a diffractive structure or hologram structure on the one hand and a relief structure (ie, a microoptical relief structure) forming a micromirror arrangement on the other hand;
• a reflection layer oriented along the diffractive structure, which is obtainable, for example, by means of vapor deposition (see the production method according to the second or the fifth aspect of the invention) or is available by printing technology (see the production methods according to the first, the third or the fourth aspect of the invention) ;
• a colored thin-film element aligned along the microstructure or a colored thin-film element aligned both along the microstructure and along the diffractive structure, in which latter case the viewer only observes the reflective layer and not below the reflective layer in the region of the reflective layer when viewing the security element bonded to a data carrier Reflection layer arranged to recognize colored thin-film element; and
• a (eg transparent) adhesive layer, which is suitable for bonding the security element with a data carrier, such as a valuable item.

The production of a micro-optical relief structure is known in the art (see, for example, the WO 2014/060089 A2 )

The use of washing ink as well as the washing of the washing paint for (fine) structuring of a metallization is eg from the WO 99/13157 , of the WO 92/11142 and the WO 97/23357 known.

With reference to the reflection layer obtainable by vapor deposition, an aluminum layer is particularly suitable.

Platelet-shaped metal pigments are suitable for producing a reflection layer which can be obtained by printing technology. Suitable platelet-shaped metal pigments are for example from WO 2013/186167 A2 . WO 2010/069823 A1 . WO 2005/051675 A2 (See, for example, the description on page 11, line 10, to page 12, penultimate paragraph) and WO 2011/064162 A2 known. The platelet-shaped metal pigments described therein have the advantage that they conform to a substrate having a relief structure, in particular a relief with microstructures and / or nanostructures, so well that the difference to a conventional metallization obtainable by vapor deposition is almost no longer recognizable. The simple, printing-technical production of the reflection layer makes it possible to dispense with complex process steps, such as printing the carrier with a soluble wash in the form of a desired recess within the reflection layer to be produced, generating a metallization by vapor deposition and washing the washing paint together with the above the washing paint applied metallization.

The ink which can be used according to the invention and which is based on platelet-shaped metal pigments for producing a reflection layer which can be obtained by printing technology can be applied, for example, to the printing inks available in US Pat WO 2005/051675 A2 (See, for example, the description on page 11, line 10, to page 12, penultimate paragraph) based metal pigment compositions are based. The pigments are based on a metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel, nichrome, gold, silver, platinum and copper. The metal is particularly preferably aluminum, wherein the average particle diameter is preferably in a range of 2 to 50 μm, more preferably in a range of 5 to 15 μm, measured with a Coulter LS130 laser diffraction granulometer. Such ink allows the provision of a "silver" mirror layer. In addition, the metal pigment compositions (eg, yellow) may be colored.

Furthermore, the ink which can be used according to the invention and is based on platelet-shaped metal pigments for producing a reflection layer which can be obtained by printing technology can be applied, for example, to those disclosed in US Pat WO 2011/064162 A2 Color effect effect pigment compositions described are based. The pigments have a longest dimension of edge length from end-to-end in a range of 15 nm to 1000 nm and are based on a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Au, Zn , Cd, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt. The transition metal is preferably Ag. The aspect ratio (ie the ratio of the longest dimension from end to end relative to the thickness) is preferably at least 1.5, in particular in a range from 1.5 to 300. The ratio of the binder to metal pigment is preferably below 10: 1, in particular below 5: 1. Depending on the choice of aspect ratio of the pigment, its longest end-to-end dimension, and adjustment of the pigment / binder ratio, the color can be seen in transmission and the color when viewed in reflection (eg, blue in Transmission and silver, gold, bronze, copper or violet in reflection, in addition violet, Magenta, pink, green or brown in transmission and different colors in reflection, depending on the choice of pigment / binder ratio). Colors with gold / blue color change between reflection and transmission (in other words, between incident light and transmitted light observation) are, for example, in Examples 1, 2 and 3 in Table 1 of FIG WO 2011/064162 A2 called. Further, Example 4 shows a color with gold / violet color change, Example 5 a color with green-gold / magenta color change, Example 7 a color with violet / green color change and Example 8 a color with silver / opaque color change.

• einer reflektierenden Schicht, insbesondere einer metallischen, reflektierenden Schicht, z.B. Aluminium;
• einer semitransparenten (Spiegel-)Schicht bzw. Absorberschicht (die insbesondere von der Gruppe bestehend aus Al, Ag, Ni, Cr, Cu, Au und einer Legierung eines oder mehrerer der vorstehend genannten Elemente gewählt ist, wobei Cr bevorzugt wird); und
• einer zwischen der reflektierenden Schicht und der semitransparenten (Spiegel-)Schicht bzw. Absorberschicht angeordneten dielektrischen Schicht, z.B. SiO₂,

wobei sich die Farbe des mehrschichtigen Aufbaus mit der Änderung des Betrachtungswinkels ändert.The colored thin-film element may be, for example, a color-shifting thin-film element which imparts different color impressions to the viewer at different viewing angles. Such a thin-film element includes, for example, an interference-capable, multilayered structure with

• a reflective layer, in particular a metallic, reflective layer, eg aluminum;
• a semitransparent (mirror) layer or absorber layer (particularly selected from the group consisting of Al, Ag, Ni, Cr, Cu, Au and an alloy of one or more of the above elements, with Cr being preferred); and
• a dielectric layer, eg SiO ₂ , arranged between the reflective layer and the semitransparent (mirror) layer or absorber layer,

wherein the color of the multi-layered structure changes with the change of the viewing angle.

• die beiden semitransparenten Spiegelschichten werden bevorzugt von Al oder Ag gewählt; die dielektrische Schicht ist insbesondere eine SiO₂-Schicht;
• im Falle, dass jede der beiden semitransparenten Spiegelschichten auf Al beruht, liegt die jeweilige bevorzugte Schichtdicke in einem Bereich von 5 nm bis 20 nm, insbesondere bevorzugt in einem Bereich von 10 nm bis 14 nm; die dielektrische SiO₂-Schicht hat vorzugsweise eine Schichtdicke in einem Bereich von 50 nm bis 450 nm, weiter bevorzugt in einem Bereich von 80 nm bis 260 nm, wobei die Bereiche von 80nm bis 100nm und von 220nm bis 240nm speziell für die Bereitstellung eines Gold/Blau-Farbwechsels besonders bevorzugt werden;
• im Falle, dass jede der beiden semitransparenten Spiegelschichten auf Ag beruht, liegt die jeweilige bevorzugte Schichtdicke in einem Bereich von 15 nm bis 25 nm; die dielektrische SiO₂-Schicht hat vorzugsweise eine Schichtdicke in einem Bereich von 50 nm bis 450 nm, weiter bevorzugt in einem Bereich von 80 nm bis 260 nm, wobei die Bereiche von 80nm bis 100nm und von 220nm bis 240nm speziell für die Bereitstellung eines Gold/Blau-Farbwechsels besonders bevorzugt werden.

The colored thin-layer element may furthermore be a semitransparent thin-layer element which, when viewed in the image, is viewed by the viewer Reflected light and when viewed in transmitted light different color impressions. Such a thin-film element comprises, for example, a multilayer structure with two semitransparent layers and a dielectric layer arranged between the two semitransparent layers, the multilayer structure having different hues when viewed in incident light on the one hand and when viewed in transmitted light, in particular when viewed in incident light appears golden and when viewed in transmitted light shows a blue hue. The two different shades are in particular complementary colors. Such a multilayer structure is based in particular on two semitransparent mirror layers and a dielectric layer arranged between the two semitransparent mirror layers. Such a multi-layered structure, which appears golden when viewed in reflected light and shows a blue hue when viewed in transmitted light, is for example from the WO 2011/082761 A1 known. Particularly suitable as a semitransparent mirror layer is a metal selected from the group consisting of Al, Ag, Ni, Cr, Cu, Au and an alloy of one or more of the aforementioned elements, Al or Ag being preferred as the semitransparent mirror layer, and Al is particularly preferred. Suitable multilayer structures having two semitransparent mirror layers and a dielectric layer arranged between the two semitransparent mirror layers preferably have the following physical properties:

• the two semitransparent mirror layers are preferably selected from Al or Ag; the dielectric layer is in particular an SiO ₂ layer;
• in the case where each of the two semitransparent mirror layers is based on Al, the respective preferred layer thickness is in a range of 5 nm to 20 nm, particularly preferably in a range of 10 nm to 14 nm; the dielectric SiO ₂ layer preferably has a layer thickness in a range of 50 nm to 450 nm, more preferably in a range of 80 nm to 260 nm, with the ranges of 80 nm to 100 nm and 220 nm to 240 nm being especially suitable for providing a gold / Blue color change are particularly preferred;
• in the case where each of the two semitransparent mirror layers is based on Ag, the respective preferred layer thickness is in a range of 15 nm to 25 nm; the dielectric SiO ₂ layer preferably has a layer thickness in a range of 50 nm to 450 nm, more preferably in a range of 80 nm to 260 nm, with the ranges of 80 nm to 100 nm and 220 nm to 240 nm being especially suitable for providing a gold / Blue color change are particularly preferred.

• im Auflicht Magenta, im Durchlicht Blau-Grün;
• im Auflicht Türkis, im Durchlicht Orange-Gelb;
• im Auflicht Gold, im Durchlicht Blau-Violett;
• im Auflicht Silber, im Durchlicht Violett.

The aforementioned multilayered layer structures not only enable the production of a semitransparent functional layer, which appears golden when viewed in reflected light and shows a blue hue when viewed in transmitted light, but depending on the choice of the layer thickness, in particular of the dielectric layer further color changes can be generated, eg

• magenta in reflected light, blue-green in transmitted light;
• in incident light turquoise, in transmitted light orange-yellow;
• in reflected light gold, in transmitted light blue-violet;
• in reflected light silver, in transmitted light violet.

As a colored thin-film element which gives the viewer different color impressions when viewed in incident light and when viewed in transmitted light, a thin-film element which can be obtained by printing is also suitable. Such a thin-film element comprises, for example, a printing layer with an effect pigment composition which, when viewed in reflected light, has a different color than when viewed in reflected light Transmitted light, in particular a gold / blue color change, a gold / violet color change, a green-gold / magenta color change, a violet / green color change or a silver / opaque color change shows. Such inks are eg in the WO 2011/064162 A2 described.

Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, in the representation of which a representation true to scale and proportion has been dispensed with in order to increase the clarity.

Figuren 1 bis 6

ein Beispiel für die Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements gemäß dem ersten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figuren 7 bis 15

ein Beispiel für die Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements gemäß dem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figuren 16 bis 22

ein Beispiel für die Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements gemäß dem dritten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figuren 23 bis 30

ein weiteres Beispiel für die Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements;

Figuren 31 bis 37

ein Beispiel für die Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements gemäß dem vierten Aspekt der Erfindung;

Figur 47

eine schematische Darstellung einer Banknote mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement;

Figur 48

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Banknote mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement.

Show it:

FIGS. 1 to 6

an example of the production of a security element according to the invention according to the first aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 7 to 15

an example of the production of a security element according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 16 to 22

an example of the production of a security element according to the invention according to the third aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 23 to 30

another example of the production of a security element according to the invention;

FIGS. 31 to 37

an example of the production of a security element according to the invention according to the fourth aspect of the invention;

FIG. 47

a schematic representation of a banknote with a security element according to the invention;

FIG. 48

a schematic representation of another banknote with a security element according to the invention.

The invention will now be explained using the example of security elements for banknotes. FIG. 47 shows a schematic representation of a banknote 1 with a transparent window area 3 (shown in dashed lines), which is provided with a security element 2 according to the invention in the form of a patch.

The banknote 1 may e.g. are based on a (for example transparent) plastic substrate, wherein the bank note has no printing ink in the area 3 on the front side or on the rear side, so that the area 3 can be seen by the viewer as a transparent window area.

The banknote 1 may alternatively be based on a film / paper / foil composite substrate, wherein the central paper layer in the area 3 has a recess (in particular filled with transparent adhesive or filler). Foil / paper / foil composite substrates are made of WO 2004/028825 A2 known.

According to a further alternative, the banknote 1 is based on a paper / foil / paper composite substrate, the outer paper layers each having a recess in the region 3 (see, for example, US Pat WO 2006/066431 A1 ).

According to a further alternative, the banknote 1 is based on a paper substrate which has a continuous recess in the region 3. The continuous recess is covered on at least one side of the paper substrate by a transparent film (see eg WO 2011/015622 A1 ).

That in the FIG. 47 shown security element 2 includes a central color-shifting, formed by a micromirror arrangement motif 5, which is surrounded by a motif 4 formed by a hologram.

FIG. 48 shows a schematic representation of another, based on a paper substrate banknote 6, which is provided on its front side with a security element according to the invention in the form of a strip 7 (shown in phantom). In the present example, the strip 7 has a width of 8 mm and has a color-shifting motif 9 formed by a micromirror arrangement and a motif 8 formed by a hologram.

The structure and manufacture of a security element 7 according to the invention according to the first aspect of the invention will be described below in connection with FIGS FIGS. 1 to 6 explained in more detail. FIG. 6 shows that in the FIG. 48 illustrated security element 7 in cross-sectional view along the dashed line A-A '.

According to the FIG. 1 For example, a carrier 10 in the form of a (eg transparent) plastic film, eg a PET film, is provided with an embossing lacquer 11. The relief structure (ie the surface) of the embossing lacquer 11 has a microstructure in the partial area 11a and a nanostructure in the partial area 11b.

According to the FIG. 2 is the embossing lacquer 11 in the sub-area 11b with the from WO 2005/051675 A2 printed ink known. The printing ink is based on platelet-shaped metal pigments (in particular Al pigments) and leads to the production of a reflection layer 12, in the present case a "silver" mirror layer.

According to the FIG. 3 the imprinting of a soluble washing ink 13 (ie an ink which can be washed out or removed after printing by means of a washing liquid) takes place in such a way that the regions of the relief structure 11b forming a diffractive structure and the relief structure 11a forming a micromirror arrangement have recesses in the ink jet form applied wash paint 13. Washing colors are eg from the publication EP 1 972 462 A2 and the prior art cited in paragraphs [0004] to [0006] of this document.

According to the FIG. 4 For example, the embossing lacquer 11 printed with the wash ink 13 is provided with a multi-layered thin-film element 14 with a color-shift effect. Such a thin-film element 14 has a semitransparent absorber layer 15 (eg Cr), a dielectric spacer layer 16 (eg SiO ₂ ) and a reflection layer 17 (eg Al) and can be produced by vapor deposition.

According to the FIG. 5 a demetallization step is carried out in which the printed wash ink area 13 is washed off together with the overlying areas of the multilayer thin-film element 14.

According to the FIG. 6 the resulting layer structure is provided with a (eg transparent) intermediate layer or primer layer 18 (eg a UV varnish) and a heat sealing varnish 19 suitable for bonding the security element to a value document substrate.

The embossing lacquer 11 thus produced has a color-tilting micromirror motif in the partial region 11a when viewing the security element in reflected light from the side of the support 10 and a silver hologram motif in the partial region 11b. Although the thin-film element 14 arranged in the sub-area 11b is not recognizable to the observer because it is obscured by the metal-pigment printed layer 12. However, the reflectivity of the metal pigment print layer 12 is enhanced by the underlying thin film element 14, i. the metallic character of the metal pigment printing layer 12 is stronger in this way.

The Indian FIG. 6 shown carrier 10 may be configured as a detachable from the embossing lacquer layer 11 transfer sheet. After bonding in the FIG. 6 shown security elements with a value document substrate by means of the adhesive layer 19 and after the detachment of the transfer film 10, the viewer would perceive the embossing lacquer layer 11 directly when viewing the provided with the security element value document.

The FIGS. 7 to 15 illustrate the production of a security element according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to the FIG. 7 For example, a carrier 10 in the form of a (eg transparent) plastic film, eg a PET film, is provided with an embossing lacquer 11. The relief structure (ie the surface) of the embossing lacquer 11 has a microstructure in the partial area 11a and a nanostructure in the partial area 11b.

According to the FIG. 8 the imprinting of a soluble washing ink 20 takes place in such a way that the area of the relief structure 11b forming a diffractive structure forms a recess in the applied washing ink 20.

According to the FIG. 9 For example, the layer structure provided with the wash ink 20 is coated over its entire surface by vapor deposition with a metallization 21, in the present case aluminum. The metallization 21 adapts in the partial region 11b to the diffractive relief of the embossing lacquer layer 11.

According to the FIG. 10 a demetallization step is carried out in which the printed wash ink area 20 are washed off together with the overlying areas of the metallization 21. The reflection layer 21 remains in the region of the relief structure 11b of the embossing lacquer 11 forming a diffractive structure.

According to the FIG. 11 the imprinting of a soluble wash ink 22 is effected in such a way that the area of the relief structure 11a forming a micromirror arrangement forms a recess in the applied wash paint 22.

According to the FIG. 12 For example, the layer structure provided with the wash ink 22 is provided over its entire area with a multi-layered thin-film element 23 with a color-shift effect. Such a thin-film element 23 has a semitransparent absorber layer 24 (eg Cr), a dielectric spacer layer 25 (eg SiO ₂ ) and a reflection layer 26 (eg Al) and can be produced by vapor deposition.

According to the FIG. 13 a demetallization step is carried out in which the printed wash ink area 22 is washed off together with the overlying areas of the multilayer thin-film element 23.

According to the FIG. 14 the resulting layer structure is provided with an (eg transparent) intermediate layer or primer layer 27 (eg a UV varnish) and then in accordance with FIG. 15 provided with a heat sealing lacquer 28 suitable for bonding the security element to a value document substrate.

The embossing lacquer 11 thus produced has a color-tilting micromirror motif in the partial region 11a when viewing the security element in reflected light from the side of the support 10 and a silver hologram motif in the partial region 11b.

The Indian FIG. 15 shown carrier 10 may be configured as a detachable from the embossing lacquer layer 11 transfer sheet. After bonding in the FIG. 15 shown security elements with a value document substrate by means of the adhesive layer 28 and after the detachment of the transfer film 10, the viewer would perceive the embossing lacquer layer 11 directly when viewing the provided with the security element value document.

The FIGS. 16 to 22 illustrate the production of a security element according to the invention according to the third aspect of the invention.

According to the FIG. 16 For example, a carrier 10 in the form of a (eg transparent) plastic film, eg a PET film, is provided with an embossing lacquer 11. The relief structure (ie the surface) of the embossing lacquer 11 has a microstructure in the partial area 11a and a nanostructure in the partial area 11b.

According to the FIG. 17 the imprinting of a soluble washing ink 29 is effected in such a way that the region of the relief structure 11a forming a micromirror arrangement forms a recess in the applied washing ink 29

According to the FIG. 18 For example, the layer structure provided with the wash ink 29 is provided over its entire area with a multi-layered thin-film element 30 with a color-shift effect. Such a thin-film element 30 has a semitransparent absorber layer 31 (eg Cr), a dielectric spacer layer 32 (eg SiO ₂ ) and a reflection layer 33 (eg Al) and can be produced by vapor deposition.

According to the FIG. 19 a demetallization step is carried out in which the imprinted wash ink area 29 is washed off together with the overlying areas of the multilayer thin-film element 30 so that the colored thin-layer element 30 remains in the area of the micromirror arrangement forming relief structure 11a in a shape aligned spatially along the relief structure. According to the FIG. 20 is the embossing lacquer 11 in the sub-area 11b with the from WO 2005/051675 A2 printed ink known. The printing ink is based on platelet-shaped metal pigments (in particular Al pigments) and leads to the production of a reflection layer 34, in the present case a "silver" mirror layer.

According to the FIG. 21 the layer structure obtained is provided with a (eg transparent) intermediate layer or primer layer 35 (eg a UV varnish) and then according to FIG. 22 provided with a heat sealing lacquer 36 suitable for bonding the security element to a value document substrate.

The embossing lacquer 11 thus produced has a color-tilting micromirror motif in the partial region 11a when viewing the security element in reflected light from the side of the support 10 and a silver hologram motif in the partial region 11b.

The Indian FIG. 22 shown carrier 10 may be configured as a detachable from the embossing lacquer layer 11 transfer sheet. After bonding in the FIG. 22 shown security elements with a value document substrate by means of the adhesive layer 36 and after detaching the transfer sheet 10, the viewer would perceive the embossing lacquer layer 11 directly when viewing the provided with the security element value document.

FIGS. 23 to 30 illustrate another example of the production of a security element according to the invention.

According to the FIG. 23 For example, a carrier 10 in the form of a (eg transparent) plastic film, eg a PET film, is provided with an embossing lacquer 11. The The relief structure (ie, the surface) of the embossing lacquer 11 has a microstructure in the partial region 11a and a nanostructure in the partial region 11b.

According to the FIG. 24 the imprinting of a soluble washing ink 37 takes place in such a way that the area of the relief structure 11b forming a diffractive structure and the area of the relief structure 11a forming a microstructure each form a recess in the applied washing ink 37.

According to the FIG. 25 For example, the layer structure provided with the wash ink 37 is provided over its entire area with a reflection layer 38 (eg Al) and a spacer layer 39 (eg SiO ₂ ), eg by vapor deposition.

According to the FIG. 26 Imprinting of a soluble wash ink 40 takes place only in the region of the relief structure 11b forming a diffractive structure.

According to the FIG. 27 the layer structure is provided over its entire surface with an absorber layer 41 (eg Cr), for example by means of vapor deposition.

According to the FIG. 28 a demetallization step is carried out in which the printed washing ink areas are washed off together with the layers above. In the region of the relief structure 11b of the embossing lacquer 11 forming a diffractive structure, the reflection layer 38 and the spacer layer 39 remain, which in each case conform to the relief. In the region of the relief structure 11a of the embossing lacquer 11 forming a microstructure, the reflection layer 38, the spacer layer 39 and the absorber layer 41 remain each adapt to the relief and together form a color-shifting layer.

According to the FIG. 29 the resulting layer structure is provided with a (eg transparent) primer layer 42 (eg a UV varnish) as a protective layer.

According to the FIG. 30 the carrier 10 is provided on the opposite side of the security element structure by means of a primer layer 43 with a heat sealing lacquer 44 suitable for bonding the security element to a value document substrate.

The embossing lacquer 11 thus produced has a color-tilting micromirror motif in the partial region 11a when viewing the security element in reflected light from the side opposite the adhesive layer 44, and a silver hologram motif in the partial region 11b.

The FIGS. 31 to 37 illustrate the production of a security element according to the invention according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

According to the FIG. 31 For example, a carrier 10 in the form of a (eg transparent) plastic film, eg a PET film, is provided with an embossing lacquer 11. The relief structure (ie the surface) of the embossing lacquer 11 has a microstructure in the partial area 11a and a nanostructure in the partial area 11b.

According to the FIG. 32 Imprinting of a soluble wash color 45 is effected in such a way that the area of a micromirror arrangement forming relief structure 11a forms a recess in the applied wash paint 45

According to the FIG. 33 For example, the layer structure provided with the wash color 45 is provided over its entire area with a multi-layered thin-film element with a color-shift effect. Such a thin-film element has a reflection layer 46 (eg Al), a dielectric spacer layer 47 (eg SiO ₂ ) and a semitransparent absorber layer 48 (eg Cr) and can be produced by vapor deposition.

According to the FIG. 34 a demetallization step is carried out in which the imprinted wash ink area 45 is washed off together with the overlying areas of the multi-layered thin-film element so that the colored thin-film element remains in the area of the micromirror arrangement forming relief structure 11a in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure.

According to the FIG. 35 is the embossing lacquer 11 in the sub-area 11b with the from WO 2005/051675 A2 printed ink known. The printing ink is based on platelet-shaped metal pigments (in particular Al pigments) and leads to the production of a reflection layer 49, in the present case a "silver" mirror layer.

According to the FIG. 36 the resulting layer structure is provided with a primer layer 50 (eg a UV varnish) as a protective layer.

According to the FIG. 37 is the carrier 10 at the security element structure opposite side by means of a primer layer 51 with a for bonding the security element to a value document substrate, suitable heat sealing lacquer 52 is provided.

The embossing lacquer 11 thus produced has a color-tilting micromirror motif in the partial region 11a when viewing the security element in reflected light from the side opposite the adhesive layer 52, and a silver hologram motif in the partial region 11b.

The Figures 38 to 46 illustrate the production of a security element according to the invention according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

According to the Figure 38 For example, a carrier 10 in the form of a (eg transparent) plastic film, eg a PET film, is provided with an embossing lacquer 11. The relief structure (ie the surface) of the embossing lacquer 11 has a microstructure in the partial area 11a and a nanostructure in the partial area 11b.

According to the FIG. 39 the imprinting of a soluble washing ink 53 is effected in such a way that the region of the relief structure 11b forming a diffractive structure forms a recess in the applied washing ink 53.

According to the FIG. 40 For example, the layer structure provided with the wash ink 53 is coated over its entire area by vapor deposition with a metallization 54, in the present case aluminum. The metallization 54 adapts in the partial region 11b to the diffractive relief of the embossing lacquer layer 11.

According to the FIG. 41 a demetallization step is carried out in which the printed wash ink area 53 is washed off together with the overlying areas of the metallization 54. The reflection layer 54 remains in the region of the relief structure 11 b of the embossing lacquer 11 forming a diffractive structure.

According to the Figure 42 the printing of a soluble washing ink 55 is effected in such a way that the region of the relief structure 11a forming a micromirror arrangement forms a recess in the applied washing ink 55.

According to the FIG. 43 For example, the layer structure provided with the wash color 55 is provided over its entire surface with a multi-layered thin-film element with a color-shift effect. Such a thin-film element has a reflection layer 56 (eg Al), a dielectric spacer layer 57 (eg SiO ₂ ) and a semitransparent absorber layer 58 (eg Cr) and can be produced by vapor deposition.

According to the FIG. 44 a demetallization step is carried out in which the printed wash ink area 55 is washed off together with the overlying areas of the multilayer thin-film element.

According to the FIG. 45 the resulting layer structure is provided with a (eg transparent) primer layer 59 (eg a UV varnish) as a protective layer.

According to the FIG. 46 the carrier 10 is on the opposite side of the security element structure by means of a primer layer 60 with a for bonding the security element with a value document substrate suitable heat sealing lacquer 61 provided.

The embossing lacquer 11 thus produced has a color-tilting micromirror motif in the partial region 11a when viewing the security element in incident light from the side opposite the adhesive layer 61, and a silver hologram motif in the partial region 11b.

Claims (17)

1. A method for manufacturing a security element (7) for securing value documents (6), comprising

   a) the supplying of a carrier (10) having an emboss-lacquer layer (11) which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a);

   b) the printing of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) with a printing ink which is based on platelet-shaped metal pigments which are constituted such that they align themselves spatially along the relief structure of the emboss-lacquer layer and hereby form a reflective layer (12);

   c) the imprinting of a soluble washing ink (13) in such a manner that the regions of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) and the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) form recesses in the applied washing ink (13);

   d) the applying over the full area of a colored thin-film element (14) followed by the washing off of the washing ink (13) together with the region of the colored thin-film element (14) generated above the washing ink (13), so that the colored thin-film element (14) in the regions of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) and the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) remains behind in a form spatially aligned along the respective relief structure;

   e) the applying of an adhesive layer (19), which is suitable for the bonding of the security element (7) with an object of value (6), onto the layer buildup obtained by the steps a) to d), where applicable over one or more intermediate layers.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the carrier (10) supplied in Step a) is configured as a transfer foil strippable from the emboss-lacquer layer (11).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the colored thin-film element (14) supplied in Step d) is a color-shifting thin-film element, which upon different viewing angles conveys different color impressions to the viewer, or a semi-transparent thin-film element which upon the viewing in transmitted light and upon the viewing in incident light conveys a different color impressions to the viewer.
4. A method for manufacturing a security element (7) for securing value documents (6), comprising

   a) the supplying of a carrier (10) having an emboss-lacquer layer (11) which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a);

   b) the imprinting of a soluble washing ink (20) in such a manner that the region of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) forms a recess in the applied washing ink (20);

   c) the applying over the full area of a reflective layer (21), in particular by means of vapor deposition, followed by the washing off of the washing ink (20) together with the region of the reflective layer (21) generated above the washing ink (20), so that the reflective layer (21) remains behind in the region of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;

   d) the imprinting of a soluble washing ink (22) in such a manner that the region of the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) forms a recess in the applied washing ink (22);

   e) the applying over the full area of a colored thin-film element (23) followed by the washing off of the washing ink (22) together with the region of the colored thin-film element (23) generated above the washing ink (22), so that the colored thin-film element (23) remains behind in the region of the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;

   f) the applying of an adhesive layer (28) which is suitable for the bonding of the security element (7) with an object of value (6), onto the layer buildup obtained by the steps a) to e), where applicable over one or more intermediate layers.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the carrier (10) supplied in Step a) is configured as a transfer foil strippable from the emboss-lacquer layer (11).
6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the colored thin-film element (23) supplied in Step e) is a color-shifting thin-film element, which upon different viewing angles conveys different color impressions to the viewer, or a semi-transparent thin-film element which upon the viewing in transmitted light and upon the viewing in incident light conveys a different color impressions to the viewer.
7. A method for manufacturing a security element (7) for securing value documents (6), comprising

   a) the supplying of a carrier (10) having an emboss-lacquer layer (11) which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a);

   b) the imprinting of a soluble washing ink (29) in such a manner that the region of the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) forms a recess in the applied washing ink (29);

   c) the applying over the full area of a colored thin-film element (30) followed by the washing off of the washing ink (29) together with the region of the colored thin-film element (30) generated above the washing ink (29), so that the colored thin-film element (30) remains behind in the region of the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;

   d) the printing of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) with a printing ink which is based on platelet-shaped metal pigments which are constituted such that they align themselves spatially along the relief structure of the emboss-lacquer layer and hereby form a reflective layer (34);

   e) the applying of an adhesive layer (36) which is suitable for the bonding of the security element (7) with an object of value (6), onto the layer buildup obtained by the steps a) to d), where applicable over one or more intermediate layers.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the carrier supplied in Step a) is configured as a transfer foil strippable from the emboss-lacquer layer.
9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the colored thin-film element (30) supplied in Step c) is a color-shifting thin-film element, which upon different viewing angles conveys different color impressions to the viewer, or a semi-transparent thin-film element which upon the viewing in transmitted light and upon the viewing in incident light conveys a different color impressions to the viewer.
10. A method for manufacturing a security element (7) for securing value documents (6), comprising

    a) the supplying of a carrier (10) having an emboss-lacquer layer (11) which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a);

    b) the imprinting of a soluble washing ink (45) in such a manner that the region of the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) forms a recess in the applied washing ink (45);

    c) the applying over the full area of a colored thin-film element followed by the washing off of the washing ink (45) together with the region of the colored thin-film element generated above the washing ink (45), so that the colored thin-film element remains behind in the region of the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;

    d) the printing of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) with a printing ink which is based on platelet-shaped metal pigments which are constituted such that they align themselves spatially along the relief structure of the emboss-lacquer layer and hereby form a reflective layer (49);

    e) the applying of a protective lacquer (50) onto the layer buildup obtained by the steps a) to d);

    f) the applying of an adhesive layer (52) which is suitable for the bonding of the security element (7) with an object of value (6), onto the side of the carrier (10) opposing the emboss-lacquer layer (11), where applicable over one or several intermediate layers.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the colored thin-film element supplied in Step c) is a color-shifting thin-film element, which upon different viewing angles conveys different color impressions to the viewer, or a semi-transparent thin-film element which upon the viewing in transmitted light and upon the viewing in incident light conveys a different color impressions to the viewer.
12. A method for manufacturing a security element (7) for securing value documents (6), comprising

    a) the supplying of a carrier (10) having an emboss-lacquer layer (11) which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a);

    b) the imprinting of a soluble washing ink (53) in such a manner that the region of the first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) forms a recess in the applied washing ink (53);

    c) the applying over the full area of a reflective layer (54), in particular by means of vapor deposition, followed by the washing off of the washing ink (53) together with the region of the reflective layer (54) generated above the washing ink (53), so that the reflective layer (54) remains behind in the region of a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;

    d) the imprinting of a soluble washing ink (55) in such a manner that the region of the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) forms a recess in the applied washing ink (55);

    e) the applying over the full area of a colored thin-film element followed by the washing off of the washing ink (55) together with the region of the colored thin-film element generated above the washing ink (55), so that the colored thin-film element remains behind in the region of the second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11a) in a form spatially aligned along the relief structure;

    f) the applying of a protective lacquer (59) onto the layer buildup obtained by the steps a) to e);

    g) the applying of an adhesive layer (61) which is suitable for the bonding of the security element (7) with an object of value (6), onto the side of the carrier (10) opposing the emboss-lacquer layer (11), where applicable over one or several intermediate layers.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the colored thin-film element supplied in Step c) is a color-shifting thin-film element, which upon different viewing angles conveys different color impressions to the viewer, or a semi-transparent thin-film element which upon the viewing in transmitted light and upon the viewing in incident light conveys a different color impressions to the viewer.
14. The security element (2, 7) for securing value documents (1, 6), comprising a carrier (10) having an emboss-lacquer layer (11) which has a first relief structure forming a diffractive structure (11b) and a second relief structure forming a micromirror arrangement (11b), wherein the first relief structure (11b)is furnished with a reflective layer aligned spatially along the relief structure and the second relief structure (11a) is furnished with a colored thin-film element spatially aligned along the relief structure, wherein the security element is obtainable by the method according to any of claims 1 to 13.
15. The security element (2, 7) according to claim 14, wherein the security element (2, 7) is a/an (endless) strip, a/an (endless) thread, or a patch or label.
16. A data carrier (1, 6) having a security element (2, 7) according to claim 14 or 15.
17. The data carrier (1, 6) according to claim 16, wherein the data carrier is a value document, such as a bank note, in particular a paper bank note, polymer bank note or foil composite bank note, or identification card.

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